“I approached Paul Davies's new book, New Business in India, from two perspectives: as a global executive having worked in three continents helping clients become part of the new economy in Asia, especially India and from the perspective of investors and private equity engagements with India. India is important as a powerhouse economy, with enough momentum to come through a global slowdown – and America's engagement with India shows this. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India is beginning to approach the levels into China – and the bulk of this comes from the US. What America inc is doing with its money shows how timely and essential – for every US corporation, from mid cap upwards – this new book is.
India has so far been offshoring and outsourcing – IT, business processes and call centres. The dynamic manufacturing base, the rapidly growing pharmaceutical industry, the amazing growth in construction and telecoms are now the drivers in India. Davies even shows how the media industry, focused on Bollywood, is a magnet for advertisers, animators and producers throughout the world. The upwardly mobile population that is increasing the size of the middle class means that a billion-people economy is a substantial blessing, creating a huge consumer market which will be as sizeable as the US and European markets – or even bigger.
With his usual clear and engaging style, Davies outlines the opportunity India presents the US – what he calls the 21st century opportunity – and then goes on to show not only where the opportunities lie, but how to get into that thriving, exhilarating economy and create market leadership. From my twin points of view, this book is essential reading for all business people – and with the threat of recession at home, grasping the opportunity that is India is even more essential. Look at the focus that the US Government has on trade with India and you will start to see why this book is absolutely on the button.”
